Robert E. “Bob” Zenk passed peacefully into eternal life surrounded by his family on April 20, 2024 at the age of 99. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Alice Zenk, his parents Edward and Helen Zenk, siblings Thomas, Karl and Audrey, his infant daughter Molly, and infant son Patrick. He is survived by his sister Mary Kelly, his six children: Thomas (Heather), James (Heather), Mary Eileen Piper (Matthew), Joseph (Renee), Maura Kopulos (William), and Michael (Ginger), 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was born in Rollingstone, Minn. and attended college at Saint Mary’s Winona, receiving a BS in Chemistry. His schooling was interrupted by WWII when he was selected to join Officer Candidate School. He served honorably in the US Navy in WWII and Korea, finishing his career as a Lt. Commander.
Following his military service, Bob spent his career working for 3M, where he held numerous patents. He married Mary McEnaney, the love of his life and his wild Irish Rose, on May 31, 1958. Faith and family were the cornerstones of Bob’s life. Bob and Mary raised their family in River Falls, Wis., a community they loved dearly. They enjoyed traveling, spending time at their cabin, and dancing. Bob spent many years singing in the Saint Bridget church choir and could rarely be found without a good book he was enjoying. He will be remembered for his gentlemanly manner - though his competitive nature came out when playing Bridge or 500.
Special thanks to son Tom and daughter-in-law Heather (both nurses), for their added care during Bob’s final years and to the staff at Wellhaven and St. Croix Hospice, with special acknowledgment to Cindy, Maria, Braeden, Laura, Lori, Little Bunny, Mikayla and Linda, who made his final days so special.
Memorials are appreciated to Rollingstone-Luxembourg Heritage Museum, 98 Main St., Rollingstone, MN 55969 or Sharing & Caring Hands, 525 N. 7th St., Minneapolis, MN 55405 https://sharingandcaringhands.org/donate
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St., River Falls, WI.
Visitation was held from 4:30-7 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2024 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 225 S. Third St., River Falls, WI, as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at St. Bridget.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-425-5644.
